Isometric shoulder exercises

Exercises that involve pressing your arm against a wall can help strengthen the muscles that make up your rotator cuff. With your elbow at a 90-degree angle, put the palm of your hand on the side of a wall or door frame that's in front of you (A). Place a folded towel between your side and upper arm. Your goal is to keep the towel there as you press your palm against the wall or doorframe for several seconds. For the second exercise, keep the towel in place (not shown) and shift your body so that you're standing next to a wall (B). With your elbow at a 90-degree angle, press your elbow and forearm against the wall for several seconds. Repeat each exercise 10 times for five sets.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.